Compare 2021 Trek 23 to 2020 Trek 23

This trek offers breathtaking views on a grand and intimate scale. It begins with a scenic bus ride through the pyric ecosystem of Cimarron Canyon and subsequent regrowth from the 2018 Ute Park Fire. Your first night is with your Ranger, at Maxwell, which is at 8,460ft. Your ascension continues to Head of Dean, where the staff will level-up your team with valuable conflict resolution skills. Let the excitement of the Continental Tie & Lumber Co. spur your crew into an early start towards Pueblano before crossing Wilson Mesa and the meandering waters of Middle Ponil Creek to bed down at the Rich Cabins homestead. Milk the cow, chase the chickens, and enjoy the Rich family gathering at night before setting forth the next morning into the Valle Vidal. Enjoy the Earth’s magnificent geology as you hike along steep cliffs and the flowing stream that created them as you head to Middle Ponil Low Impact Camp for a night of rest. In June, climb Ash Mountain and in July and August, climb Little Costilla or Ash Mountain…or both! (Little Costilla is closed in June for elk calving season.) Continue your trek through Windy Gap to McCrystal Creek Low Impact Camp for an unparalleled view of the Philmont skyline. The next day will give you the opportunity to learn about the history of Ring Place, or ride some outstanding mounting biking trails with the staff at Whiteman Vega. As your crew returns south, they may be called upon to assist the staff with search and rescue exercises by Seally Canyon’s incident command post. Make your way to Metcalf Station to drive some spikes and learn about the railroading history of the North Ponil, then on to the archeological site at Indian Writings where you can help decipher the ancient petroglyphs and complete your conservation project. One more breathtaking view will be enjoyed up and over Hart Peak, before you reach the original Base Camp, Ponil. Lasso a tall drink of root beer at the local saloon…this cantina gets lively at night and you won’t want to miss the action. Circle the wagons and follow the dinner bell for an authentic chuckwagon dinner, then off to the Cantina Show for a raucous evening of music and festivities. The last roundup gets you in on a morning horse ride before returning you to the Ponil Trailhead as you hop the bus to the present era and modern amenities found at Base Camp!

Day	2021 Trek 23 Campsite	2020 Trek 23 Campsite	Program Differences
1	CHQ Trailbound
2	Cimarron River	Maxwell	Hunter Education & Laser Range included in 2021 trek 23
3	Head of Dean
4	Rich Cabins
5	Middle Ponil
6	Middle Ponil
7	McCrystal Creek
8	Seally Canyon
9	Cook Canyon
10	Indian Writings
11	Ponil
12	CHQ Homebound